$875K planned gift for Wahine Athletics

HONOLULU – The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa's Athletics department has received approximately $875,000 thanks to an anonymous planned gift. This gift will establish three endowments: the Wahine Volleyball Program Endowment, the Wahine Basketball Program Endowment and the Softball Program Endowment.

“All of Hawai‘i takes tremendous pride in our Wahine Athletics programs. For 40 years, our university and Hawai‘i have led the way in ensuring full opportunity for women to participate and succeed in athletics and academics. This generous gift recognizes the success of these programs and ensures support for our future outstanding student-athletes,” said UH Mānoa Chancellor Virginia S. Hinshaw.’

These private funds can be used to underwrite the costs of scholarships, recruitment or other administrative purposes as determined by the respective coaches, with the agreement of the athletics director.

"My client decided that making a planned gift of this size is an appropriate way to celebrate 40 years of Wahine Athletics. As endowments these funds will provide secure, ongoing funding for the UH Mānoa Wahine Athletics for years to come," said Attorney Thomas Mui who represents the donor.

Working with the team at ‘Ahahui Koa Ānuenue (AKA), in partnership with the UH Foundation, the donor has named the foundation as the irrevocable remainder beneficiary of a charitable remainder trust (CRT).

"Our donor is a true blessing to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Athletic Department. We cherish the intent to support the future education of Wahine student athletes and the vision of women's athletics," stated Jim Donovan, director of athletics, UH Mānoa. “This charitable remainder trust will make a huge difference for our sports programs. The fact is the donor receives some tax benefits and a revenue income stream while making a donation that helps our sports programs. It is a win-win situation."

To find out how you can support student athletes or athletic programs, please contact Kelvin Shoji at (808) 956-4322 or Kelvin.Shoji@uhfoundation.org

The University of Hawai‘i Foundation, a nonprofit organization, raises private funds to support the University of Hawai‘i System. Our mission is to unite our donors’ passions with the University of Hawai‘i’s aspirations to benefit the people of Hawai‘i and beyond. We do this by raising private philanthropic support, managing private investments and nurturing donor and alumni relationships. www.uhfoundation.org

‘Ahahui Koa Anuenue is the University of Hawai’i, Athletics Department’s primary fundraising organization. Established in 1967, AKA manages the preferred seating and parking program and athletic booster club programs, and works in partnership with the UH Foundation for major and planned giving opportunities which benefit all athletic programs at UH Mānoa. For more information please visit our website at www.KoaAnuenue.org